D1UBIC28SB- UNDER BRIDGE INSPECTION CRANE RENTAL WITH OPERATOR - MDOT SHA District 1

The Maryland Department of Transportation, State Highway Administration (SHA) is soliciting bids through an Invitation for Bids (IFB) for under bridge inspection crane rental services with operators in District 1, covering Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties. The procurement seeks an as-needed rental of an Under Bridge Inspection Crane (Snooper truck) equipped with qualified operators to perform bridge and lighting inspection work. The equipment must meet specific technical requirements, including a minimum horizontal reach of 31.6 feet and vertical reach of 33 feet from the bridge deck, a work platform capacity of at least 600 pounds in bucket configuration, and onboard intercom systems with backup walkie-talkies. Qualified bidders must demonstrate a minimum of three years of experience operating under bridge inspection cranes, maintain Maryland business registration, employ operators with valid Commercial Driver's Licenses, own their own equipment and registered vehicles, and provide customer references. The contract utilizes firm fixed-price billing with four line items: a unit day rate for crane and operator services covering 8-hour shifts for up to four consecutive days, an additional operator rate, mobilization mileage fees to the initial work location, and demobilization mileage fees upon project completion. The deadline for questions is April 22, 2026 at 4:00 PM local time, with bids due on April 28, 2026 at 2:30 PM local time at 660 West Road, Salisbury, Maryland. No pre-bid conference or scheduled site visit is required.

This procurement is designated as a small business reserve, limiting eligibility to certified small businesses only. All successful contractors must maintain insurance coverage including $1,000,000 in commercial general liability coverage and $1,000,000 in worker's compensation coverage, and must respond within seven working days of notice to begin work with equipment availability and replacement capability within a reasonable timeframe. The contract has a 24-month base period with no renewal options and an estimated Notice to Proceed in mid-May 2026. This is a non-exclusive contract and does not guarantee that all work in the designated areas will be awarded to the selected contractor. No federal funding is involved in this procurement, and no travel reimbursement is provided under the contract terms. Specific award values or budget ranges are not disclosed in the solicitation documents.